Devon Allen Is an Olympic Finalist Despite Sloppy Race

Devon Allen was able to keep his gold medal hopes alive in semifinal action earlier tonight of the 110 hurdles. Allen got out of the blocks well and cleared the first three hurdles cleanly before hitting hurdles the last half of the race. It was disheartening to see Allen fall behind in a stage of the race that he usually flourishes in. Allen is known to get out well, but his calling card has always been putting away people late as a strong finisher.

Allen still managed to finish third, just outside of automatic qualifying as that is reserved for the top two in each heat. All wasn't lost however, as his time of 13.36 was good enough to qualify on time. As was former UO teammate and Team Canada representative Jonathan Cabral, who finished fourth (13.41) behind Allen. Omar McLeod of Jamaica won the heat in 13.15 seconds. Team USA teammate Jeff Porter failed to qualify, but Allen will still have an accomplice in the final in Ronnie Ash.

It was a quite a scene back in Eugene as well, as Allen's Oregon Ducks football teammates were shown throughout the broadcast watching the race back on campus. The broadcast showed their reactions in real-time after the race, which was probably confusion and disappointment at the time being.

Allen and Cabral will be back later tonight to bring home some coveted jewelry in the finals. The Olympic finals will be held at 6:45 pm.